Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) to James McHenry

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01490 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 May 1799 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 21 x 17 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Inspector General of the United States Army Hamilton during the Quasi-War with France to Secretary of War James McHenry in Philadelphia. Recommending Alexander Macombe (misspelling Macomb's last name) to his attention. Macomb, born in 1782, would have a long and distinguished military career and was commanding general of the United States Army from 1828 until his death in 1841. Docketed by McHenry, who spells Macomb's name correctly on the docket.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

New York May 15 1799

D[ea]r. Sir
This will be handed to you by Colonel Alexander Macombe, of the Cavalry of the UStates, who when in Philadelphia will desire to pay his respects to you-He is a genteel clever young man & I hope [illegible] of a good Official.
With respect & a [illegible]
Yr. Obed. Ser.
[signed] A Hamiliton

Ja. Mc Henry

McHenry, James, 1753-1816
Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources